Social media has brought out our vanity and self-pity,with superstar teachers and their uncritical followers creating a toxic culture of one-upmanship
I used to admire going out on a course and learning stuff. The chance to meet unique people, share resources, or get ideas and a free lunch. The best continued professional development (CPD) these days is online,or so I’m told. From interactive conversations on Twitter to webinars, now it seems I have to preserve a presence online in addition to a physical one in the classroom and staff meetings. Ive become an avatar and have to brand myself. It’s cheap for schools – sharing resources and ideas has become easier – but, and for me,teachers and social media don’t mix. I am not talking about the no-brainer situations: being friends with students on Facebook or your boozy holiday snaps being circulated around a Year 10 WhatsApp group. No, I am talking about teachers on Facebook and Twitter and how much they piss me off. Related: Talking to parents in 140 characters: how are schools using social media? Related: Secret Teacher: embrace your blunders, and we all need something to smile about Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com